Venezuela: Mobilization for the release of Alberto and Rafael

Five months without news from Alberto and Rafael

On November 15, Alberto Trentini, an Italian aid worker with HI, and Rafael Ubiel Hernandez Machado, the Venezuelan taxi driver accompanying him, were stopped at a security checkpoint on their way to one of HI’s projects in the state of Apure. Since then, they have been detained by the Venezuelan authorities without any official information on the reasons for their detention, where they are being held, or their state of health.

HI has worked tirelessly to obtain explanations for their detention and to secure their release, involving various consular authorities, as well as international and intergovernmental organizations. The organization initially favored discretion to achieve a rapid diplomatic solution. Faced with a lack of answers and growing concern, the organization is now calling for public mobilization to secure the release of Alberto and Rafael.

Let's mobilize for the release of Alberto and Rafael!

April 15 will mark five months of detention for Alberto and Rafael. HI is calling on everyone to take action by sharing the association's appeal on social media, using the hashtags #FreeAlberto and #FreeRafael.

You can also sign and share the petition launched by Alberto's friends on Change.org, which has already attracted more than 90,000 signatures.

Every voice counts to obtain their release. 

Note: our previous appeal did not mention the detention of Rafael Ubiel Hernandez Machado. His family has now authorized us to mention him and call for his release.

HI in Venezuela: HI implements protection projects for children, adolescents, women and people with disabilities. The organization is currently running health, mental health, rehabilitation, and economic inclusion projects in the Amazonas, Apure, Delta Amacuro and Monagas regions. We work on site in collaboration with local partners, other humanitarian organizations, and the local authorities.